Brother DCP J315W User Manual

							Routine maintenance33
A
IMPORTANT
• DO NOT take out ink cartridges if you do not need to replace them. If you do so, it 
may reduce the ink quantity and the 
machine will not know the quantity of ink 
left in the cartridge.
• DO NOT touch the cartridge insertion  slots. If you do so, the ink may stain your 
skin.
• If ink gets on your skin or clothing  immediately wash it off with soap or 
detergent.
• If you mix the colours by installing an ink  cartridge in the wrong position, clean the 
print head several times after correcting 
the cartridge installation.
• Once you open an ink cartridge, install it in  the machine and use it up within six 
months of installation. Use unopened ink 
cartridges by the expiration date written on 
the cartridge package.
• DO NOT dismantle or tamper with the ink  cartridge, this can cause the ink to leak out 
of the cartridge.
 
Cleaning and checking 
the machine
A
Cleaning the scanner glassA
aLift the document cover (1). Clean the 
scanner glass (2) and the white 
plastic (3) with a soft lint-free cloth 
moistened with a non-flammable glass 
cleaner.
 
Note
In addition to cleaning the scanner glass 
with a non-flammable glass cleaner, run 
your finger tip over the glass to see if you 
can feel anything on it. If you feel dirt or 
debris, clean the glass again 
concentrating on that area. You may need 
to repeat the cleaning process three or 
four times. To test, make a copy after each 
cleaning attempt.
 
2
1
3
 
						

							34
Cleaning the paper pick-up 
rollersA
aPull the paper tray completely out of the 
machine.
bUnplug the machine from the electrical 
socket and open the Jam Clear 
Cover (1) at the back of the machine.
 
cClean the Paper Pick-up Rollers (1) with 
isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.
 
dClose the Jam Clear Cover.
Make sure the cover is closed correctly.
eRe-connect the power cord.
fSlowly push the paper tray completely 
back into the machine.
Cleaning the print headA
To maintain good print quality, the machine 
will automatically clean the print head when 
needed. You can start the cleaning process 
manually if there is a print quality problem.
Clean the print head and ink cartridges if you 
get a horizontal line in the text or graphics, or 
blank text on your printed pages. You can 
clean Black only, three colours at a time 
(Cyan/Magenta/Yellow), or all four colours at 
once.
Cleaning the print head consumes ink. 
Cleaning too often uses ink unnecessarily.
IMPORTANT
DO NOT touch the print head. Touching 
the print head may cause permanent 
damage and may void the print heads 
warranty.
 
aPress Menu.
bPress  a or  b to choose  
Ink Management .
Press  OK.
cPress  a or  b to choose  Cleaning.
Press  OK.
dPress  a or  b to choose  Black, Color or 
All.
Press  OK.
The machine cleans the print head. 
When cleaning is finished, the machine 
will go back to standby mode 
automatically.
Note
If you clean the print head at least five 
times and the print has not improved, try 
installing a new Brother Original 
Innobella™ ink cartridge for each problem 
colour. Try cleaning the print head again 
up to five more times. If the print has not 
improved call your Brother dealer.
 
1
1
 
						

							Routine maintenance35
A
Checking the print qualityA
If faded or streaked colours and text appear 
on your output, some of the nozzles may be 
clogged. You can check this by printing the 
Print Quality Check Sheet and looking at the 
nozzle check pattern.
aPress Menu.
bPress  a or  b to choose  
Ink Management .
Press  OK.
cPress  a or  b to choose  Test Print .
Press  OK.
dPress  a or  b to choose 
Print Quality .
Press  OK.
ePress  Colour Start .
The machine begins printing the Print 
Quality Check Sheet.
fCheck the quality of the four colour 
blocks on the sheet.
gDo one of the following:
 If all lines are clear and visible, press 
+ to choose Yes, and go to step k.
 If you can see missing short lines as 
shown below, press  - to choose No.
hThe LCD asks you if the print quality is 
OK for black and the three colours.
Press + (Yes) or  - (No ).
iThe LCD asks you if you want to start 
cleaning.
Press  + (Yes).
The machine starts cleaning the print 
head.
jAfter cleaning is finished, press 
Colour Start .
The machine starts printing the Print 
Quality Check Sheet again. Return to 
step f. 
kPress  Stop/Exit .
If you repeat this procedure at least five 
times and the print quality is still poor, 
replace the ink cartridge for the clogged 
colour. 
After replacing the ink cartridge, check 
the print quality. If the problem still 
exists, repeat the cleaning and test print 
procedures at least five times for the 
new ink cartridge. If ink is still missing, 
call your Brother dealer.
IMPORTANT
DO NOT touch the print head. Touching 
the print head may cause permanent 
damage and may void the print heads 
warranty.
 
Note
 
OK Poor
   
 
i
 
When a print head 
nozzle is clogged 
the printed 
sample looks like 
this.After the print 
head nozzle is 
cleaned, the 
horizontal lines 
are gone.
 
						

							36
Checking the print alignmentA
You may need to adjust the print alignment 
after transporting the machine, if your printed 
text becomes blurred or images become 
faded.
aPress Menu.
bPress  a or  b to choose  
Ink Management .
Press  OK.
cPress  a or  b to choose  Test Print .
Press  OK.
dPress  a or  b to choose  Alignment .
Press  OK.
ePress  Mono Start or  Colour Start.
The machine starts printing the 
Alignment Check Sheet.
fCheck the 600 dpi and 1200 dpi test 
prints to see if number 5 most closely 
matches number 0. 
 If the number 5 samples of both the 
600 dpi and 1200 dpi test prints are 
the best matches, press  + (Yes) to 
finish Alignment Check, and go to 
step i.
 If another test print number is a 
better match for either 600 dpi or 
1200 dpi, press  - (No) to choose it.
gFor 600 dpi, press  d or  c to choose the 
number of the test print that most closely 
matches the number 0 sample (1-8).
Press  OK.
hFor 1200 dpi, press  d or c  to choose the 
number of the test print that most closely 
matches the number 0 sample (1-8).
Press  OK.
iPress  Stop/Exit.
 
						

							37
B
B
Error and Maintenance messagesB
As with any sophisticated office product, errors may occur and consumable items may need to be 
replaced. If this happens, your machine identifies the error and shows an error message. The 
most common error and maintenance messages are shown below.
You can correct most errors and routine maintenance by yourself. If you need more help, the 
Brother Solutions Center offers the latest FAQs and troubleshooting tips.
Visit us at http://solutions.brother.com/
TroubleshootingB
Error MessageCauseAction
B&W Print Only
Replace Ink One or more of the colour ink 
cartridges have reached the end 
of their life. 
You can use the machine in 
black & white mode for 
approximately four weeks 
depending on the number of 
pages you print.
While this message appears on 
the LCD, each operation works in 
the following way:
 Printing
If you click Greyscale  in the 
Advanced  tab of the printer 
driver you can use the 
machine as a monochrome 
printer.
 Copying
If the paper type is set to 
Plain Paper  or 
Inkjet Paper  you can 
make copies in monochrome.
If the paper type is set to 
Other Glossy , 
Brother BP71  or 
Brother BP61  the machine will 
stop all print operations.  If you 
unplug the machine, or take out 
the ink cartridge, you cannot use 
the machine until you change to 
a new ink cartridge. Replace the ink cartridges. (See 
Replacing 
the ink cartridges  on page 31.)
 
						

							38
Cannot DetectYou installed a new ink cartridge 
too quickly and the machine did 
not detect it. Take out the new ink cartridge and 
re-install it slowly.
If you are using non Brother 
Original ink the machine may not 
detect the ink cartridge. Replace the cartridge with a Brother 
Original ink cartridge. If the error message 
remains, contact your Brother dealer.
An ink cartridge is not installed 
correctly. Take out the ink cartridge and re-install it 
slowly until it clicks. (See Replacing the ink 
cartridges
 on page 31.)
Cannot Print
Replace Ink One or more of the ink cartridges 
have reached the end of their life. 
The machine will stop all print 
operations.  Replace the ink cartridges. (See 
Replacing 
the ink cartridges  on page 31.)
Cover is Open The scanner cover is not 
completely closed. Lift the scanner cover and then close it 
again.
The ink cartridge cover is not 
completely closed. Firmly close the ink cartridge cover until it 
clicks.
Data Remaining Print data is left in the machines 
memory. Press 
Stop/Exit . The machine will cancel 
the job and clear it from the memory. Try to 
print again.
High Temperature The print head is too warm. Allow the machine to cool down.
Ink Absorber Full
Internal servicing required. 
This problem may be caused by 
the use of cartridges other than 
genuine Brother Original 
cartridges or the refilling of empty 
cartridges with ink from other 
sources. If damage is caused to 
the print head or other parts of this 
machine as a result of using other 
brands of ink or ink cartridges, any 
repairs required as a result may 
not be covered by the warranty.Call Brother Customer Service / your 
Brother dealer.
Ink Absorber NearFullThe ink absorber box or flushing 
box is near full. Call Brother Customer Service / your 
Brother dealer.
Ink low One or more of the ink cartridges 
are near the end of their life. Order a new ink cartridge. 
Low Temperature The print head is too cold. Allow the machine to warm up.
Media Error The memory card is either 
corrupted, incorrectly formatted, 
or there is a problem with the 
memory card. Put the card firmly into the slot again to 
make sure it is in the correct position. If the 
error remains, check the media drive (slot) 
of the machine by putting in another 
memory card that you know is working.
Media is Full. The memory card you are using 
already contains 999 files. Your machine can only save to your 
memory card if it contains less than 999 
files. Try deleting unused files to free some 
space and try again.
Error MessageCauseAction
 
						

							Troubleshooting39
B
No File The memory card in the media 
drive does not contain a .JPG 
file. Put the correct memory card into the slot 
again.
No Ink Cartridge An ink cartridge is not installed 
correctly. Take out the ink cartridge and put it in 
again seating it properly. (See 
Replacing 
the ink cartridges  on page 31.)
No Paper Fed The machine is out of paper or 
paper is not correctly loaded in 
the paper tray. Do one of the following:
 Refill the paper in the paper tray, and 
then press Mono Start  or 
Colour Start .
 Remove the paper and load it again 
and then press  Mono Start or 
Colour Start . (See Loading paper and 
other print media  on page 8.)
The paper is jammed in the 
machine. Remove the jammed paper by following 
the steps in 
Printer jam or paper jam  
on page 40.
The Jam Clear Cover is not 
closed correctly. Check the Jam Clear Cover is closed 
evenly at both ends. (See 
Printer jam or 
paper jam  on page 40.)
Out of Memory The machines memory is full. Copy operation in progress:
Press Stop/Exit  and wait until the other 
operations in progress finish and then try 
again.
The memory card you are using 
does not have enough free 
space to scan the documents. Delete unused files from your memory card 
to make some free space and then try 
again.
Paper Jam Paper is jammed in the machine. Remove the jammed paper by following 
the steps in Printer jam or paper jam  
on page 40.
Make sure the paper length guide is 
adjusted to the correct paper size.
Unable to Clean XX
Unable to Init. XX
Unable to Print XX
Unable to Scan XX The machine has a mechanical 
problem.
–OR–
A foreign object such as a paper 
clip or ripped paper is in the 
machine. Open the scanner cover and remove any 
foreign objects and paper scraps inside the 
machine. If the error message continues, 
disconnect the machine from the power for 
several minutes, then reconnect it.
Wrong Paper Size Paper is not the correct size. Check that the Paper Size setting matches 
the size of paper in the tray. Load the 
correct size of paper, and then press 
Mono Start or Colour Start . (See Paper 
Size  on page 14.)
Error MessageCauseAction
 
						

							40
Error animationB
Error animations display step-by-step 
instructions when paper gets jammed. You 
can read the steps at your own pace by 
pressing c to see the next step and  d to go 
backward.
Printer jam or paper jamB
Take out the jammed paper depending on 
where it is jammed in the machine.
aUnplug the machine from the electrical 
socket.
bOpen the Jam Clear Cover (1) at the 
back of the machine. Pull the jammed 
paper out of the machine.
 
 
cClose the Jam Clear Cover. 
Make sure the cover is closed correctly.
 
dIf the paper support flap is open, close it, 
and then close the paper support. Pull 
the paper tray completely out of the 
machine.
 
ePull out the jammed paper (1). 1
1
 
						

							Troubleshooting41
B
fUsing both hands, grasp the plastic tabs 
on both sides of the machine and lift the 
scanner cover (1) until it locks securely 
in the open position.
 
Move the print head (if necessary) to 
take out any paper remaining in this 
area. Make sure that jammed paper is 
not left in the corners of the machine. 
Check both ends of the print carriage.
Note
If the print head is at the right corner as 
shown in the illustration, you cannot move 
it. Re-connect the power cord, then hold 
down Stop/Exit  until the print head moves 
to the middle. Unplug the machine from 
the power source, and take out the paper.
 
 
IMPORTANT
If ink gets on your skin or clothing 
immediately wash it off with soap or 
detergent.
 
gLift the scanner cover to release the 
lock ( ). Gently push the scanner cover 
support down ( ) and close the 
scanner cover ( ) using both hands.
 
hPush the paper tray firmly back into the 
machine.
iWhile holding the paper tray in place, 
pull out the paper support ( ) until it 
clicks, and then unfold the paper 
support flap ( ).
 
Make sure you pull out the paper 
support until it clicks.
IMPORTANT
DO NOT use the paper support flap for 
Legal size paper.
 
jRe-connect the power cord.
1
1
23
1
2
 
						

							42
TroubleshootingB
If you think there is a problem with your machine, check the chart below and follow the 
troubleshooting tips.
Most problems can be easily resolved by yourself. If you need additional help, the Brother 
Solutions Center offers the latest FAQs and troubleshooting tips. Visit us at 
http://solutions.brother.com/
If you are having difficulty with your machineB
Printing
DifficultySuggestions
No  printout Check the interface cable on both the machine and your computer. (See the  Quick 
Setup Guide .)
Make sure the machine is plugged in and not turned off.
Check to see if the LCD is showing an error message. 
(See  Error and Maintenance messages  on page 37.)
One or more ink cartridges have reached the end of their life. (See  Replacing the 
ink cartridges  on page 31.)
If the LCD says  Cannot Print  and Replace Ink , see Replacing the ink 
cartridges  on page 31.
Check that the correct printer driver has been installed and chosen.
Make sure that the machine is online. Click  Start and then  Printers and Faxes . 
Choose  Brother DCP-XXXX (where XXXX is your model name), and make sure 
that Use Printer Offline  is unchecked.
When you choose the  Print Odd Pages and Print Even Pages  settings, you may 
see a print error message on your computer, as the machine pauses during the 
printing process. The error message will disappear after the machine re-starts 
printing.
Poor print quality Brother does not recommend the use of cartridges other than genuine Brother 
Original cartridges or the refilling of used cartridges with ink from other sources.
Check the print quality. (See  Checking the print quality on page 35.)
Make sure that the  Media Type setting in the printer driver or the  Paper Type 
setting in the machine’s menu matches the type of paper you are using. 
(See  Printing  for Windows
® or Printing and Faxing  for Macintosh in the Software 
User’s Guide  and Paper Type  on page 14.)
Make sure that your ink cartridges are fresh. The following may cause ink to clog:
 The expiration date written on the cartridge package has passed. 
(Brother Original cartridges stay usable for up to two years if kept in their 
original packaging.)
 The ink cartridge was in your machine over for six months.
 The ink cartridge may not have been stored correctly before use.
Try using the recommended types of paper. (See  Acceptable paper and other print 
media  on page 15.) 
The recommended environment for your machine is between 20 C to 33 C.